It took 12 hours to install the 52m-long cable at the 125-high south pylon. Gareth Stuart, project director of the Merseylink construction joint-venture, stated in a press release published on 28 October 2016: "This marks a momentous occasion for the project. The stay cables will be an iconic feature of this landmark structure making it one of the most recognisable bridges in the UK. We’re now entering a new, very visual phase of the bridge construction, where people will be able to see the stay cables connected to the bridge deck as it emerges across the river week by week." A total of 146 stay cables, from 41 to 226m in length, will be installed between the deck and the three pylons making up the bridge to reach a global bearing capacity of about 53,500t.

VSL Systems (UK) is taking part in the project in a joint venture with FCC UK. Its scope of works encompasses the supply of the stay cable system, the installation and technical support. The methods have been developed in collaboration with VSL’s Technical Centre. A multicultural team, representing 20 different nationalities, cooperates on site, where the work is due to be completed in 2017.

The project

The Mersey Gateway scheme involves the construction of a 6-lane toll road across the River Mersey, in the north-west of England. The crossing will be 2.3km long, including 1km of cable-stayed bridge built over the river. It will link the cities of Widnes and Runcorn, in the region of Liverpool. The aim of the project is to enhance connectivity in the region and relieve traffic congestion on the existing Silver Jubilee Bridge, which will be reconfigured as a local link with dedicated spaces for pedestrians and cyclists.

Key facts and figures

• 2.3km of road, including a 1km-long cable-stayed bridge over Mersey River
• 3 pylons (north, central and south), respectively 110, 80 and 125m high
• 146 stay cables with a global bearing capacity of 53,500t
• Each cable consists of up to 91 strands to be installed individually
• Client : Halton Borough Council
  
• Main contractor: Merseylink Consortium (in charge of designing, building, financing and operating the bridge for 30 years)